WELLINGTON, Nov 16 New Zealand's hopes for the three-Test series against Pakistan have been boosted by news on Monday that captain Daniel Vettori has been cleared of injury fears.

Vettori suffered a mild concussion in the one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and did not go on to play in the two Twenty20 Internationals in Dubai.

“He is feeling significantly better and will be available to play in the first Test starting in Dunedin on Nov 24,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Vettori also has a shoulder injury and was examined on Monday by a specialist, who found some structural damage, although it was not expected to affect his ability to bowl.

“Physiotherapy rehabilitation exercises will assist with the ongoing management of this injury. It will not affect his availability for the Test series,” the statement said.

But the news was gloomier for pace bowler Kyle Mills, who is expected to be ruled out from playing for at least four months, with hopes he will be back for the ICC World Twenty20 starting in April in the West Indies.

Mills is expected to undergo surgery in the next two weeks for an injury to his left shoulder. He will also have an operation on a chronic injury to his right knee, which has so far been managed without stopping him from playing.—AFP